Warrington Borough Council has taken the next step in its efforts to enhance regional connectivity, formally requesting an environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening opinion for a proposed active travel scheme in the north of the borough. The project, which seeks to establish a new shared-use footpath between Culcheth and Birchwood, is part of a broader initiative backed by the government’s Levelling Up fund.
The proposed 1.8km trail is designed to link New Hall Lane in Culcheth with an area approximately 550 meters north of the Birchwood Way roundabout (junction 11 of the M62). By connecting to the motorway service area currently under construction, the route is intended to create a continuous corridor for walkers, cyclists, and wheelers, facilitating easier access to the Birchwood Technology Park and other key employment hubs.
An EIA screening opinion is a preliminary procedural step rather than a full planning application. Its primary function is to determine whether the proposed construction project necessitates a comprehensive environmental impact assessment under planning regulations. The goal of such an assessment is to ensure that decision-makers identify and mitigate potential environmental consequences at the earliest stage of project design.
According to council documentation, the proposed route crosses a varied landscape, traversing existing bare-ground footpaths, arable land, scrub, and woodland. The site is bounded by a diverse range of features, including waterbodies, ditches, and an industrial estate. Much of the land in question is situated within the designated green belt, a factor that underscores the importance of the council’s environmental review.
The council’s submitted documentation suggests that while the construction could result in some environmental effects, these are not expected to be significant. The planning submission aims to address potential concerns through “embedded design measures” and the adoption of industry-standard construction best practices.
“The aim of the proposed scheme is to deliver walking, wheeling, and cycling improvements along existing public right of ways and established path networks to enhance connectivity,” the council stated in its report. “The proposed scheme will improve access to employment opportunities… encouraging sustainable travel and reducing reliance on private vehicles.”
The initiative is intended to complement existing infrastructure improvements, including those being delivered by National Highways around the M62 junction 11. By integrating these local networks, the council hopes to provide a seamless travel route that promotes sustainable transport options for residents and workers alike.
Warrington Borough Council will now review the request for the screening opinion. Should the authority determine that the project does not require a full, formal EIA, the project will proceed to the formal planning application stage, where further details regarding the design, construction, and long-term environmental management of the trail will be finalised.
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